Vehicle security system

ABSTRACT

A remote watch (FIGS.  7 ) design for a car security system, comprising of a display screen and base  706  with keypad  704 . A user of the remote watch will not only be able to keep track of the time but also will be able to arm/lock, disarm/unlock and remotely start their vehicle by pushing specific buttons on the watch. It is common for people to lose or misplace their keys along with the keyless remote that is attached to the keys. Since the watch is placed on the users wrist, the user never has to worry about damage due to dropping it on a hard surface, in liquids (ex. water), or even losing their keyless remote as you would by having a keyless remote attached to keys or a key chain. If the user ever loses their keys, the remote watch will now allow the user to still have access to their vehicle without their keys, thus giving the user the freedom to store an extra set of keys in their vehicle in case they lose the original ones.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] Priority as claimed under 35 USC 119/e for Provisional Patent Application 60/470566, filed May 14, 2003

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to interacting with a security system through a watch interface. The watch will be comprised of a display screen(s) that will show digital read-outs of the security system's status. The invention comprises relaying regular watch functions (time, date, etc.) also on a display screen(s).

BACKGROUND

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] This invention relates to security systems for vehicles and will later expand to homes. A user of the remote watch will not only be able to keep track of the time but also will be able to arm/lock, disarm/unlock and remotely start their vehicle by pushing specific buttons on the watch. It is common for people to lose or misplace their keys along with the keyless remote that is attached to the keys. Since the watch is placed on the users wrist, the user never has to worry about damage due to dropping it on a hard surface, in liquids (ex. water), or even losing their keyless remote as you would by having a keyless remote attached to keys or a key chain.

[0005] 2. Prior art (Discussion and Criticism of the Relevant Prior Art)

[0006] Some of the latest inventions in the field of car security have been the 2-way transceivers.

[0007] They comprise of:

[0008] i. A display screen

[0009] ii. 4 buttons

[0010] iii. A small antennae

[0011] The 2-way transceiver remote confirms that your vehicle has received signals and alerts the user to system triggers and theft attempts. This remote can display 20 different icons including transmit, receive, remote start, arm/disarm, hood, trunk, door ajar, and extra sensors. The Auto Security Compustar is a semi-small remote start keyless entry that displays a car on the screen and shows the part of the car that is being tampered with.

[0012] These particular devices look like toys. They both still hold true to the traditional keyless entry remotes that can be attached to a key chain and possibly damaged by those people who toss their keys around and lost by those who are careless. It is also not waterproof as our invention can be and will not have the style along with convenience, as our invention will.

Objectives and Advantages (Positive Aspects of Invention)

[0013] The advantages of this invention are:

[0014] i. Digital or analog or a combination of digital/analog

[0015] ii. Linking the individual to his/her vehicle at all times

[0016] iii. Vibrates/beeping sound to alarm an individual whenever the vehicle is being tampered with and when the alarm is triggered.

[0017] iv. The watch gives you feedback by transmitting the condition of the vehicle.

[0018] v. This invention is located in the most convenient and easy to access area, the user's wrist. Having the device on the wrist will allow hassle-free convenient usage. Other car security devices have to be pulled out of a pocket, bag, or another area.

[0019] vi. The watch displays the time.

[0020] vii. Keeps track of time and a vehicle at all times.

[0021] viii. If you loose your keys you will also loose your keyless entry alarm remote. Since the security system is located on the watch, a person does not have to worry about losing the keyless remote.

[0022] ix. If you loose your keys then a person can feel safe about leaving a spare key in the car because they will still be able to unlock and disarm the security system from the remote watch which is worn on your wrist and not attached to the keys which can be lost.

DRAWINGS & FIGURES

[0023]FIG. 1 Block Diagram of Digital Watch Remote Security System

[0024]FIG. 2 Block Diagram of the Digital Watch Remote

[0025]FIG. 3 Basic Outline of Switching Device

[0026]FIG. 4 EnMOSFET Switch (EACS) Diagram

[0027]FIG. 5 Small AC Equivalent Output Circuit

[0028]FIG. 6 Block Diagram of EACS Controlled Switch System

[0029]FIG. 7 Side view of the watch, which is a basic means for controlling the security system.

[0030]FIG. 8 Frontal/top view of the means for controlling the security system.

[0031]FIG. 9 Frontal and side view of a prototype means for controlling the security system.

[0032]FIG. 10 Frontal view of the means for controlling the security system.

REFERENCE NUMERALS FIG. 1: Block Diagram of Digital Watch Remote Security System

[0033]100—Controller Processing Unit

[0034]102—Remote Watch

[0035]101—Antenna

[0036]104—Memory Unit

[0037]105—Timer

[0038]106—Trigger and Sensor Circuitry

[0039]115—Valet Switch

[0040]116—Window Control

[0041]117—Panic Output

[0042]118—Starter Kill

[0043]119—Disarm Output

[0044]120—Armed Output

[0045]107—Proximity Detector

[0046]108—Transceiver

[0047]109—Input Interface

[0048]110—Output Interface

[0049]111—Ignition Switch

[0050]112—Trunk Switch

[0051]113—Hood Switch

[0052]114—Door Switch

[0053]121—Automatic Starter

[0054]122—Character Display

[0055]123—Dome Light

[0056]124—Valet/Dashboard LED

[0057]125—Park Lights

[0058]126—Siren

[0059]103—Operational Signal

Reference Numerals

[0060]FIG. 2: Block Diagram of the Digital Watch Remote

[0061]200—Watch Remote Console

[0062]201—Keypad

[0063]202—Liquid Crystal Display

[0064]203—Memory

[0065]204—Date(Month/Day)

[0066]205—Time(Hour/Minute)

[0067]206—Buzzer

[0068]207—Control Section

[0069]208—Timer

[0070]209—Mode Controller

[0071]210—Code Generator

[0072]211—Transmission Section

[0073]212—Code Data

Reference Numerals

[0074]FIG. 3: Basic Outline of Switching Device

[0075]300—Watch & Remote Control Transmitter

[0076]301—Switching Circuitry

[0077]302—Switch select lines

[0078]304—Select Switching Lines

Reference Numerals

[0079]FIG. 4: EnMOSFET Switch

[0080]400—Switched Circuit

[0081]401—Low voltage terminal of the switch

[0082]402—High voltage terminal of the switch

[0083]403 b—Gate of enhancement MOSFET switch

[0084]403 c—Drain of enhancement MOSFET switch

[0085]404—2kΩ Resister

[0086]403—n—channel enhancement MOSFET

[0087]403 a—Source of enhancement MOSFET switch

[0088]405—Power Source

Reference Numerals

[0089]FIG. 5: Small AC Equivalent Output Circuit

[0090]500 a—What the AC output circuit is connected to

[0091]500b—What the AC output circuit is connected to

[0092]501 a—High voltage terminal of switch (on) MOSFET switch (on)

[0093]501 b—High voltage terminal of switch (off) MOSFET switch (off)

[0094]502 a—Low voltage terminal of switch (on) MOSFET switch (on)

[0095]502 b—Low voltage terminal of switch (off) MOSFET switch (off)

[0096]503 a—RDS on —On position resister

[0097]503 b—RDS off —Off position resister

[0098]504 a—2kΩ Resister

[0099]504 b—2kΩ Resister

[0100]505 a—Drain of enhancement

[0101]505 b—Drain of enhancement

[0102]506 a—Source of enhancement

[0103]506 b—Source of enhancement

Reference Numerals

[0104]FIG. 6: EACS Controlled Switch System

[0105]600—3V Battery voltage

[0106]601—Remote transmitter circuit

[0107]602—Watch Circuit

[0108]603 a—High voltage lines for the watch circuit

[0109]603 b—Low voltage lines for the watch circuit

[0110]604 a—High voltage lines for the Remoter Transmitter circuit

[0111]604 b—Low voltage line for the Remote Transmitter circuit

[0112]605—Voltage for High Line 8 to 1 Multiplexer

[0113]605 a—Voltage for Low Line 8 to 1 Multiplexer

[0114]606—Low voltage terminal of the switch

[0115]607—High voltage terminal of the switch

[0116]608—Voltage for EACS Switch

[0117]609—EACS Switch

[0118]610—Gate of EACS switch

[0119]611—High Line 8 to 1 Multiplexer

[0120]612—Low Line 8 to 1 Multiplexer

Reference Numerals

[0121]FIG. 7: Flip-up Watch Remote Drawing

[0122]701—Exterior Digital Clock

[0123]702—Interior Display Screen

[0124]703—Interior Display Screen

[0125]704—Keypad

[0126]708—Select Button

[0127]705—Entire Flip—up component

[0128]706—Base

[0129]707—Mode Button

Reference Numerals

[0130]FIG. 8: Flip-up Watch Remote Drawing

[0131]801—Exterior Digital Clock

[0132]802—Interior Display Screen

[0133]803—Interior Display Screen

[0134]804—Keypad

[0135]805—Entire Flip—up component

[0136]806—Base

[0137]807—Mode Button

[0138]808—Select Button

Reference Numerals

[0139]FIG. 9: Basic Watch Remote Drawing

[0140]900—display screen

[0141]901—light

[0142]902—disarm/unlock

[0143]903—panic

[0144]904—remote start

[0145]905—arm/lock

[0146]906—base

[0147]907—mode

Reference Numerals

[0148]FIG. 10: Button Description of Watch Remote

[0149]1001—outside digital clock

[0150]1002—display screen

[0151]1003—display screen

[0152]1004—keypad (touch buttons)

[0153]1015—numeric 7/letters Q,R

[0154]1016—numeric 8/letters S,T

[0155]1017—numeric 9/letters U,V,W

[0156]1018—numeric 0/letters X,Y,Z

[0157]1005—entire flip up component

[0158]1006—base (where battery and other internal

[0159]1007—side button (mode)

[0160]1008—side button (open

[0161]1009—side button (light)

[0162]1010—side button (select)

[0163]1011—remote start

[0164]1012—arm/lock doors

[0165]1013—disarm/unlock doors

[0166]1014—panic

[0167]1019—numeric 4/letters I,J

[0168]1020—numeric 5/letters K,L components are stored)

[0169]1021—numeric 6/letters M,N

[0170]1022—up scroll/letters O,P

[0171]1023—numeric 1/letters A,B

[0172]1024—numeric 2/letters C,D

[0173]1025—numeric 3/letters E,F

[0174]1026—down scroll/letters G,H

[0175]1027—hinge

Description—Main Embodiment (narrative of the structure)

[0176]FIG. 7 shows the side view of the remote watch. The digital clock 701 located on the outside surface of the flip-up component 705 will display watch information such as the time and date. The interior display screen 702 located on the base 706 of the watch remote will display the time and alternative watch functions (calendar, schedule, etc.). The interior display screen 702 is displayed when the flip-up component 705 is opened. The display screen 703 located on the inside of the flip-up component 705 will display feedback of various car functions. For example, if the armed button is pressed, the display screen 703 will display feedback information for the car alarm functions related to arming the vehicle.

[0177]FIG. 8 shows the same version of the watch from a frontal/top view displaying the entire flip up component 805, the hinge 827 whereby the said flip up component 805 will be able to be attached to the base 806 and flip upward showing the interior components. The entire flip up component 805 that contains an outside digital clock display 801, an interior display screen 803, and base 806. The said flip-up component 805 is preferably made of stainless steel and has a thickness less than that of the base 806. The outside display clock 801 will preferably be a liquid crystal display screen, where the width of the screen will be the same as the interior display screen 802. The length of the said outside display clock will be less than half of the interior display screen or at least 1.0 cm long. The interior display screen 802, a display screen 803, and a keypad 804 are visible when the said flip up component 805 is opened. Both the interior display screen 802 and the other display screen 803 will also be liquid crystal display screens. Display screen 803 will show the functions of the car alarm (ex. If the alarm is armed or disarmed, remote started, sunroof open/closed, etc.). A display screen 802 is shown directly below the said display screen 803 as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Display screen 802 will display the time, date, and calendar that are accessed through the use of the mode button 807

Operation—Main Embodiment (How it works)

[0178] Explanation of Circuits

[0179]FIGS. 3, 4, 5, & 6

[0180] This design assumes the main source of power is a 3 V DC supply for a watch circuit and for a remote control transmitter circuit. It is assumed that eight single-post-single-single-throw switches are available, each connected to some switched circuit and each with a low voltage terminal and a high voltage terminal. The circuit works for a low voltage terminal post that is approximately at ground potential and for small AC signals at open-circuited switch terminals. The L^(th) pair of switch lines are connected to an impedance (ZS_(DL)) that models the L^(th) switched circuit, Lε{1, 2, . . . , 8}.

[0181]FIG. 3

[0182] By assumption, eight switches are available from two systems: the watch and the remote control transmitter 300. The switching circuitry 301 enables the selection of any one of the eight pairs of lines 304 across which a switch can be placed. This selection occurs by placing a three-bit binary address on the switch select lines 304. In addition, the switching circuitry 301 develops an electronic switch that opens and closes, placing it across the selected pair of lines (the L^(th) lines).

[0183]FIG. 4

[0184] Normally a mechanical SPST switch with two terminals is connected to a “switched circuit 400.” This switch is removed, replaced by an electronic switch 403. The electronic switch 403 consists primarily of an enhanced metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (EnMOSFET). The EnMOSFET switch consists of a source 403 a, gate 403 b, and drain 403 c. The EnMOSFET AC Switch (EACS) circuit indirectly connects the high 402 and low 401 terminals of the switch for small AC signals. The 2kΩ resistor 404 on the drain provides on-state protection, and determines a DC quiescent point.

[0185]FIG. 5

[0186] A&B

[0187]FIG. 5a shows the EnMOSFET switch connected to the AC output 500 a. When the gate voltage of the EnMOSFET switch is high 501 a (˜3 V), turning the transistor on, an AC ground exists on the drain 505 a terminal of the FET placing the drain 505 a and source 506 a at approximately the same potential. FIG. 5b is the closed circuit condition of the electron switch. When the gate voltage is low 502 b, AC current flow discontinues resulting in an open circuit or the open electron switch 503 b condition. The 2kΩ resistor 504 b on the drain provides on-state protection, and determines a DC quiescent point.

[0188]FIG. 6

[0189] This design assumes the main source of power is a 3 V DC 600 supply for a watch circuit 602 and for a remote control transmitter 601 circuit. It is assumed that eight single-post-single-single-throw switches are available, each connected to some switched circuit and each with a low voltage terminal (603 b & 604 b) and a high voltage terminal (603 a & 604 a). The switching circuitry primarily consists of the EACS 609 and two multiplexers. Two 8-to-1 multiplexers operate in parallel sharing the same address lines (switch select lines). One multiplexer 611 selects the high potential terminal of the Ltb switch and the other 612 selects the low potential terminal. The EACS 609 produces the opening and closing actions of the switch.

Operation

[0190]FIG. 2

[0191] Watch Transmitter

[0192] The remote watch car alarm system includes the watch (see FIG. 2) and an onboard control module (see FIG. 1). The watch that is worn by the vehicle owner/operator consists of an LCD screen 202, operational keypad 201, code generator 210, mode controller 209, memory 203, timer 208, transceiver 211, and buzzer 206. The onboard module (see FIG. 1) will consist of a controller processing unit 100 or a microprocessor program controller, timer 105, memory unit 104, transceiver 108, proximity detector 107, sensor zone circuitry 106, input interface 109, and an output interface 110.

[0193] Referring to the schematic block diagram of FIG. 2, the remote watch includes a liquid crystal display 202 for displaying such information as the time, date, Mode State of the watch, and preset alarm times. The said watch will also include an operational keypad 201 for entering a variety of functions including, information for the date and time or car security functions such as arm/disarm, remote start and etc.

[0194] The control section 207 of the watch has a mode controller 209, code generator 210, and an alarm timer 208. The mode controller 209 sets the mode in which the watch will operate. The code generator 210 inputs code data 212 to the circuitry of the transceiver 211. The timer 208 will cause the mode controller 209 to switch back to the watch setting (mode) after a car security button is pressed on the keypad 201. The timer 208 will then alert the user when an alarm time is activated via the buzzer 206. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0195] The digital remote watch further includes memory (203) and a buzzer (206). The memory 203 will be used for storage of data such as the set alarm generating time (wake-up alarm), the mode being currently affected, the month, day, year data, and the time (hour/minute). The buzzer 206 will chirp with the corresponding car security functions (ex. arm/disarm) as well as with (wake-up) alarm settings.

Operation

[0196]FIG. 1

[0197] Onboard Control Module

[0198] Referring to FIG. 1, the operational signal 103 from the digital watch remote 102 is received by the external antenna 101 then the transceiver 108 receives the amplified signal from the transmitting/receiving antenna 101 and feeds the received operational signal to the proximity detector 107. The proximity detector 107 verifies the interrogating signal, detects the level of received operation signal, generates a proximity signal when the signal is above a predetermined level, the detector then feeds the proximity signal to the controller processing unit 100.

[0199] The controller-processing unit 100 generates a series of control signals or pulses as its outputs. These include activities such as locking the doors and arming the system. For example, arming the system causes a flash of the automobile parking lights 125, a single chirp from the siren 126, and causing the flashing the interior LED 124 status indicator to activate. Additionally, arming the system causes the starter 118 to be cut and if the interior dome light 123 is on, to turn it off, as would be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0200] The timer component 105 measures a preset time and is set and/or reset under the control of the controller-processing unit 100. The memory 104 functions as an internal memory for the controller-processing unit 100 or as an auxiliary memory for other components or devices incorporated in the system. Data writing to or reading from the memory is performed under the control of the controller-processing unit 100. This is readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0201] As illustrated, the input interface 109 is connected to various vehicle inputs including an ignition switch 111, trunk switch 112, hood switch 113, door switches 114, key in ignition switch, pre-warn sensor, valet switch 115 and zone sensors 106. The sensor zone circuitry 106 performs the security function of the automobile. When the sensor zone circuitry 106 detects touching, it generates a signal and feeds it directly to the controller-processing unit 100. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art, other inputs are also contemplated by the present invention and are described by the term sensor.

[0202] The output interface 110 of the controller-processing unit 100 can be connected to a variety of output devices. The outputs may include and not limited to auxiliary relays such as window control 116 or remote start 121, as would be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Other outputs include a panic output 117, starter kill 118, disarm/arm outputs 119/120, dome light 123, parking lamps 125, siren 126, alphanumeric character display 122, and valet/dashboard red or green emitting LED's 124.

Operation

[0203]FIG. 9

[0204] Basic Design

[0205]FIG. 9 shows a prototype of the watch from a top view and a side view showcasing buttons for the security system and display screen. The manner of using the watch remote security system is simple, the security system can be armed by pushing the arm button 905 and disarmed by pushing the disarm button 902. The panic button 903 will cause the alarm to sound when pushed. The mode button 907 will enable a person to change the time/date. The light button 901 will illuminate the display screen(s).

Operation

[0206]FIG. 10

[0207] 3 Display Screens Design

[0208]FIG. 10 shows a version of the watch from a frontal and top view showcasing the entire flip up component 1005, interior display screen 1003, interior display screen 1002, buttons 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010 and keypad 1004 in detail. The manner of using the digital car alarm watch remote begins while the watch is closed. The flip-up component 1005 will lie on top of the base 1006. The base 1006 encompasses the battery, circuit board, wiring, mounting for a keypad 1004, and docking area for a display screen 1002. The outside of the digital clock (not shown here but on FIG. 7 Reference Numeral 1) will be on the outside of the said flip-up component 1005. Flip-up component 1005 will be attached by a hinge 1027 to base 1006. When the open button 1008 is pressed, the hinge 1027 will allow the flip-up component 1005 to open and showcase a display screen 1003. Display screen 1003 will show the functions of the car alarm (ex. If the alarm is armed or disarmed, remote started, sunroof open/closed, etc.). The said display screen is where the regular watch functions such as the time, scheduling, a calendar and memos, can be changed/updated through a menu selection screen. For example, if a user wants to change the time on display screens 1002 and 1001 (see FIG. 7 & 8), they would do so through the menu selection screen on said display screen 1003. The user will use the mode button 1007 to switch the function of the watch using the directional buttons 1022 & 1026 to navigate through the menu options, and the select button 1010 or the tri-functional button 1018 will be used to select a particular menu option. A display screen 1002 is shown directly below the said display screen 1003 as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8. Display screen 1002 will display the time, date, and calendar that are accessed through the use of the mode button 1007.

[0209] Below said display screen 1002 is a keypad 1004 that will allow the user to control the functions of the car security system. Through the use of keypad 1004 the functions of the car security system can be activated. The following will describe buttons dedicated to functions relating to the car security system. The remote start button 1011 will start the user's vehicle; arm/lock button 1012 will arm the security system and lock the user's vehicle. The disarm/unlock button 1013 will disarm the car security system and unlock the vehicle; the panic button 1014 will cause the car security alarm to activate when depressed. Reference numerals 1015-1021 are alpha/numeric buttons which are used for inputting numbers/letters for the setting of time, date, names, changing the date, telephone numbers, etc. Reference numerals 1022 & 1026 are the alpha/directional buttons, which navigate the user through the digital security watch's menu functions. Button 1018 is a tri-functional button that allows the user to select a menu option, input the number 0, or the letters XYZ.

[0210] The buttons located on the side of the base 1006 are other functional buttons for the general operation of the watch. The light button 1009, when depressed will provide backlight for all display screens (Reference numerals 701, 702, and 703 FIG. 7). The mode button 1007 will allow the user to switch from the security functions to the watch functions (time, date, telephone etc.) or vice versa, and the select button 1010 will activate one of the mentioned functions. (ex. once the mode button is touched the display screen 1003 will show “watch functions” and “security functions”; the user will then utilize the up or down scroll buttons 1022 and 1026 to highlight the function and then will utilize the select button 1010 or 1018 to select the function to be entered.)

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention

[0211] The remote watch security system provides a very reliable, economical device that can be used by persons of almost any age, linking the individual to his/her vehicle at all times, giving feedback on the condition of the vehicle and vibrating or beeping to alarm the individual that their vehicle is being tampered with. While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible that we did not consider important enough to show in drawing and describe in detail in our description. For example, this device can have minor variations in color, size, and materials. Furthermore, the digital watch can have variations in these areas:

[0212] the wrist bands can be synthetic in different colors, or metallic (ex. Titanium)

[0213] the entire watch transmitter can be metallic

[0214] the display screen can light in various colors (ex. Red, green, yellow etc.)

[0215] entire watch remote can be hard plastic with a synthetic band

[0216] the watch transmitter can be made in various shapes and sizes (ex. Round, rectangular, square etc.)

[0217] the flip up component can have an outer digital display clock or not

[0218] the watch transmitter can have a flip up component or not

[0219] the flip up component can have an analog watch face with short hand and long hand on the outer part of the flip up component and a display screen on the interior part of the flip up component

[0220] the keypad can be arranged in many ways and the buttons can be in various shapes, sizes, and made from different materials (rubber, plastic, metal alloy, etc.)

[0221] the keypad can be used for various functions related to the watch and the security system

[0222] the outer buttons on the sides of the watch transmitter can be in different shapes, sizes and colors and can be used for various functions

[0223] the range in which the watch remote can control the security system can be changed (ex. extended for longer range)

[0224] the watch transmitter can incorporate different trademarks and logos of designer watch, clothing, and automotive manufacturers

[0225] the watch transmitter can have automatic sliding components

[0226] the watch transmitter can have voice commands (ex. through the use of voice command the security system can be armed/locked, disarmed/unlocked, remotely started etc.)

[0227] the display screen can be in various sizes

[0228] the program of the watch can have a menu selection screen with various options to cycle through

[0229] the digital watch remote will be able to operate other power functions for different vehicles (ex. Power rear gate and power side sliding doors for mini-vans).

[0230] The battery can be a rechargeable Ni—Cd battery that allow for extended battery life and lower maintenance cost for the user.

[0231] Watch transmitter can be solar powered

[0232] Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. a vehicle security system comprising of: a) an onboard control module and b) a watch transmitting device means for interacting with said onboard control module c) said watch is the means for controlling all functions of the said security system and said watch, whereby said watch transmitting device allows for constant monitoring. 